The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the most storied in the NFL, with each game a battle for bragging rights in the NFC North. Fans eagerly await the player stats that tell the tale of these thrilling matchups. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding the stats from these games offers insight into the heart-pounding action on the field. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clashes, focusing on the December 29, 2024, game at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings edged out the Packers 27-25. We’ll also touch on their earlier meeting on September 29, 2024, to give a fuller picture of this fierce rivalry. Let’s dive in with a clear, easy-to-read look at the numbers, performances, and key moments.
Why the Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
Before we get to the stats, let’s set the stage. The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats have faced off 129 times since 1961, with Green Bay leading the series 66-60-3. This rivalry is intense, with games often decided by a few critical plays. The December 2024 matchup was no exception, carrying massive playoff implications. Both teams had already clinched postseason berths, but the Vikings were fighting for the NFC North title and a potential No. 1 seed, while the Packers aimed to lock in a higher playoff seed. The stats from these games reveal not just numbers but stories of grit, skill, and strategy.
Key Player Stats from the December 29, 2024, Game
The Week 17 clash at U.S. Bank Stadium was a nail-biter, with the Vikings holding off a late Packers rally to win 27-25. Let’s break down the standout performances from both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive stats.
Minnesota Vikings: Offensive Stars Shine
Sam Darnold (Quarterback)
Sam Darnold had a career-defining day, throwing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was pivotal in building a 27-10 lead by the fourth quarter. Darnold completed 27 of 43 passes, with a passer rating of around 110. His key plays included:
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A 31-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor in the second quarter.
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A touchdown to Jordan Addison in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 20-3.
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A screen pass to Cam Akers for a touchdown, restoring a 17-point advantage.
Darnold’s ability to stay calm under pressure and find open receivers, even with Green Bay focusing on star Justin Jefferson, was a game-changer. His 33rd touchdown pass of the season came in this game, highlighting his growth as Minnesota’s QB1.
Aaron Jones (Running Back)
Aaron Jones, facing his former team, ran with purpose, racking up 93 yards on 22 carries. His steady ground game kept the chains moving, especially in the first half. Jones also contributed in the passing game, catching a few short passes to help set up scoring drives. His 7-yard run in the second quarter moved Minnesota into Packers territory, setting the tone for their offensive rhythm.
Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver)
While Green Bay’s defense keyed in on Justin Jefferson, limiting his targets, he still made an impact with 6 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. His ability to draw coverage opened opportunities for teammates like Jalen Nailor and Jordan Addison. Jefferson’s 14-yard touchdown catch in the September game showed his knack for finding the end zone, even under tight coverage.
Jalen Nailor and Jordan Addison (Wide Receivers)
With Jefferson double-teamed, Jalen Nailor stepped up, catching a 31-yard touchdown pass that outraced the Packers’ secondary. Nailor finished with 3 receptions for 50 yards. Jordan Addison also shone, hauling in 3 catches for 54 yards, including a touchdown that extended Minnesota’s lead to 20-3 in the third quarter. Their contributions showed the depth of Minnesota’s receiving corps.
Cam Akers (Running Back)
Akers sealed the game with a clutch, falling catch on third-and-3 late in the fourth quarter, securing a first down that allowed the Vikings to run out the clock. He also scored on a screen pass in the third quarter, finishing with 16 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Green Bay Packers: A Valiant Comeback Falls Short
Jordan Love (Quarterback)
Jordan Love had a mixed day, completing 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown, and a 91.7 passer rating. While he struggled early, going 7 of 11 for just 45 yards in the first half, Love sparked a late rally. His key moments included:
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A 13-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft in the fourth quarter, followed by a two-point conversion to Romeo Doubs, cutting the score to 27-18.
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A 3-yard touchdown pass to Malik Heath with 2:23 left, making it 27-25.
Despite the loss, Love’s 56-yard completion to Tucker Kraft and his ability to lead two fourth-quarter touchdown drives showed his resilience.
Josh Jacobs (Running Back)
Josh Jacobs was a workhorse, carrying the ball 19 times for 74 yards, though he lost a fumble early in the game, recovered by Vikings’ Cam Bynum. Jacobs powered through for a touchdown in the September game, but in this matchup, his ground game kept drives alive, including a 13-yard run in the second quarter.
Romeo Doubs (Wide Receiver)
Romeo Doubs led the Packers’ receivers with 7 catches for 58 yards. His reliability on short routes, including a 10-yard catch in the fourth quarter, helped sustain drives. Doubs also caught a two-point conversion, keeping Green Bay in the fight.
Tucker Kraft (Tight End)
Tucker Kraft was a bright spot, catching 2 passes for 53 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown. His 40-yard reception in the fourth quarter set up a key scoring drive, showcasing his value as a big-play threat.
Dontayvion Wicks (Wide Receiver)
Wicks added 4 receptions for 43 yards, with a 17-yard touchdown in the September game highlighting his speed. In this game, his quick stop routes helped move the chains early, though he was quiet in the second half.
Defensive Highlights
Vikings Defense
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Pat Jones II (Linebacker): Recorded 1 sack, disrupting Love’s rhythm early.
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Blake Cashman (Linebacker): Led with 11 tackles, including 6 solo, anchoring the defense.
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Cam Bynum (Safety): Recovered Jacobs’ fumble, setting up an early Vikings drive.
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Carrington Valentine (Cornerback): Grabbed a crucial interception, though he fumbled the return (recovered by a teammate).
The Vikings’ defense was stout, limiting Green Bay to 3 points in the first half and forcing a punt after sacking Love in the fourth quarter. However, two missed field goals by Will Reichard (43 and 57 yards) kept the game closer than it could have been.
Packers Defense
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Keisean Nixon (Cornerback): Notched 1 sack and 8 tackles, pressuring Darnold.
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Quay Walker (Linebacker): Had 8 tackles, including 6 solo, but the defense struggled to contain Darnold’s passing.
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Karl Brooks (Defensive Lineman): Sacked Darnold for a 5-yard loss, but the pass rush was inconsistent.
Green Bay’s defense couldn’t generate enough pressure, with Darnold facing minimal disruption on his 43 pass attempts. The absence of Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson hurt their secondary, allowing Nailor and Addison to exploit gaps.
Team Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Comparison (December 29, 2024)
Here’s a quick look at the team stats:
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Total Yards: Vikings 374, Packers 465
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Passing Yards: Vikings 377 (Darnold), Packers 185 (Love)
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Rushing Yards: Vikings 93 (Jones), Packers 74 (Jacobs)
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Turnovers: Vikings 1 (interception), Packers 1 (fumble)
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Possession Time: Vikings 32:15, Packers 27:45
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Third-Down Conversions: Vikings 4/11, Packers 4/12
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Red Zone Efficiency: Vikings 3/5, Packers 4/5
The Vikings’ edge in passing yards and possession time reflected their control for most of the game, while the Packers’ late surge in total yards showed their fight.
Looking Back: September 29, 2024, Game Stats
For context, let’s glance at the earlier matchup at Lambeau Field, where the Vikings won 31-29. This game saw a wild swing, with Minnesota jumping to a 28-0 lead before Green Bay’s comeback fell short.
Vikings Key Performers
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Sam Darnold: 275 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, 123.4 passer rating.
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Justin Jefferson: 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown.
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Aaron Jones: 93 yards on 22 carries.
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Jordan Addison: 7-yard rushing touchdown, 3 receptions for 72 yards.
Packers Key Performers
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Jordan Love: 389 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 83 passer rating.
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Jayden Reed: 7 receptions, 139 yards, 1 touchdown.
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Josh Jacobs: 51 yards on 9 carries.
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Tucker Kraft: 13-yard touchdown catch, two-point conversion.
The Packers’ 465 total yards dwarfed Minnesota’s 374, but three interceptions by Love and a missed field goal by Brayden Narveson proved costly. The Vikings’ early dominance and clutch plays, like Addison’s end-around touchdown, secured the win.
What the Stats Tell Us About the Rivalry
The stats from both 2024 games highlight the competitiveness of this rivalry. The Vikings leaned on Darnold’s passing and a balanced attack, with Jones and Jefferson delivering consistently. The Packers, despite Love’s occasional struggles with turnovers, showed offensive firepower, especially through Jacobs and Reed. Defensively, both teams had moments of brilliance—Valentine’s interception for Minnesota, Nixon’s sack for Green Bay—but also vulnerabilities, like Green Bay’s thin secondary and Minnesota’s missed field goals.
The December game’s close finish (27-25) and the September game’s high-scoring affair (31-29) show how evenly matched these teams are. The Vikings’ 14-2 record and nine-game win streak after the December game underscore their dominance, while the Packers’ 11-5 record reflects their resilience despite injuries.
Why These Stats Matter for Fans
For fans, these stats aren’t just numbers—they’re bragging rights. Vikings fans can celebrate Darnold’s breakout season and the team’s sweep of Green Bay, a feat not accomplished since 2017. Packers fans can point to Love’s growth and the team’s ability to rally, even in defeat. The stats also fuel fantasy football debates, with players like Jefferson, Darnold, and Reed being must-starts in these high-octane games.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
The December win set up the Vikings for a winner-take-all NFC North title game against the Detroit Lions in Week 18. A victory there could secure the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage. For the Packers, the loss locked them into the No. 6 or 7 seed, meaning they’ll face a tough road in the playoffs. The stats from these games suggest both teams have the offensive firepower to make noise in the postseason, but defensive consistency will be key.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats in 2024 were a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. From Sam Darnold’s career-best 377 yards to Jordan Love’s gritty fourth-quarter rallies, the player stats tell a story of two teams leaving it all on the field. Whether you’re cheering for the purple and gold or the green and yellow, these games remind us why this rivalry is one of the NFL’s best. Keep an eye on these players as they head into the playoffs, where every yard, catch, and tackle could make history.